Wood-carved gadgets a hit in Tokyo

Good enough to eat? These USB keys from Japan's Hacoa come in maple and walnut–finishes, not flavors.

(Credit:
Tim Hornyak/CNET)

TOKYO–How important is the feel of your favorite tech toy? If you’re sick of plastic, you won’t be barking up the wrong tree with a visit to Japanese wood crafts producer Hacoa.

I’d wanted to see Hacoa’s stuff ever since its crushworthy wooden keyboard from a few years back.

So when I heard that Hacoa had opened its first exclusive shop in Tokyo recently, I had to drop by and see what they’d brought back from the forest. Japan has few natural resources but lots of woodlands, as well as a rich tradition of woodcraft.

Hacoa, based in Fukui Prefecture and founded in 1962, had on display its Full Ki-Board, which adds a number pad to the earlier version.

The price: a mere 89,250 yen ($1,141). It does feel silky-smooth to the touch, though. See the promo vid below.